Eliminating Staph and MRSA on artificial turf is critical to the health and well-being of the athletes who play on the turf.
Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and MRSA (a drug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus) are harmful microorganisms. Staph has the ability to live for up to 90 days on surfaces. Millersville University-Life Span of MRSA Although the Staph bacteria is present everywhere, certain events must take place for infection to result. Various sports activities played on artificial turf lend themselves to the “Five C’s” outlined by the Centers for Disease Control for transmission of Staph and MRSA.
The Center for Disease Control cites the Five C’s for easy transmission of MRSA and Staph:
- Crowding
- Frequent skin-to-skin Contact
- Compromised skin (i.e. cuts or abrasions)
- Contaminated items and surfaces; and
- Lack of Cleanliness
Crowding
Artificial turf fields are now in use, year-round. In addition, turf fields are used regularly by all grade levels, club sports groups, and also by children and adults. The reason is a result of turf fields being rented to outside leagues. Further, the soccer team that used to have their own field now may share a field with the football team. Fields are used by football, soccer and lacrosse teams. On Saturdays, it might be used by Pop Warner football teams and different soccer leagues. Time slots not booked for use will always be filled. As you can see, overcrowding of artificial turf fields quickly becomes a major issue. There must be a sense of urgency in eliminating Staph and MRSA on artificial turf.
Contact
Every sport played on artificial turf involves some form of contact. Unfortunately, the more contact that takes place, the higher the degree of abrasions and cuts, and the more vulnerable the athlete becomes to infection.
Compromised Skin
Athletes can wear all the protective gear in the world, but they are still going to sustain cuts or abrasions. Turf burn is a very common injury resulting in skin damage. The damaged skin is vulnerable to infection when it comes in contact with the turf.
Contaminated Surfaces
Bodily fluids including blood, mucus, saliva, are on playing field surfaces. When multiple bodies use a given space, the surface absorbs these bodily fluids and their contaminants.
Cleanliness
As mentioned above, foreign bodies come into contact with the artificial turf. Natural grass has a big advantage over indoor fields, as it requires water to live. As a result, outdoor grass stays clean due to constant watering and frequent mowing.
Artificial turf manufacturers market their product with promises of lower maintenance requirements. No watering and no mowing may sound great to buyers. However, these conveniences can create a potentially dangerous situation when it comes to managing the surface’s cleanliness.
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Eliminating Staph and MRSA on Artificial Turf-850 GreenZapr
At Sports Turf Northwest, we combat contaminant buildup with the 850 GreenZapr, the only technology capable of destroying the DNA of Staph and MRSA bacteria. UVC radiation ensures that the bacteria can’t reproduce. In order to make sure the health and safety of athletes on synthetic turf playing fields, the GreenZapr is the responsible choice.
Artificial turf creates the perfect storm for exposure to Staph and MRSA. As a result, facilities must destroy the DNA of Staph and MRSA. Sports Turf Northwest knows how important safety is for the parents of these athletes. The alternative solution to chemicals is light and that’s why we are proud to offer 850 GreenZapr as the primary method of antibacterial sanitation.
An added benefit of the 850 GreenZapr is its cost-effectiveness. Chemical applications are expensive and do not fully protect athletes since they do not kill MRSA. In contrast, operating the 850 GreenZapr adds no chemicals to the watershed and destroys the DNA.
Contact Sports Turf NW today for more information on how eliminating Staph and MRSA on artificial turf can benefit your facility. Learn how this remarkable technology can improve the health of your outdoor and indoor turf fields.
Millersville University. (2019). Questions About MRSA. [online] Available at: https://www.millersville.edu/athletictraining/mrsa/faq.php [Accessed 22 May 2019].
